Mayor of Waterford to tackle the high seas

09 June 2010

(Pic: DylanVaughan)

In advance of the return of The Tall Ships Races to Waterford in 2011, Mayor of Waterford John Halligan is stepping up to the exciting challenge of becoming a sail trainee, competing in the 2010 race between Kristiansand in Norway and Hartlepool in the UK. Mayor Halligan will join nineteen other Irish sail trainees taking part in the unique high seas adventure.

Mayor Halligan is by no means a veteran sea-farer and, along with the majority of his crew mates, is taking on the challenge as a first-time sailor. Being part of a Tall Ship crew takes discipline and hard work, but lifelong friendships are built and the fun had by those on-board makes for an unforgettable and life-changing experience.

Mayor Halligan commented, “I am extremely excited about the opportunity to take part in The Tall Ships Races. The sail training programme is recognised as one of the most important parts of The Tall Ships Races as it is a fantastic adventure and seen as hugely positive in the personal development of those taking part. I am looking forward to meeting new people, developing new skills and experiencing something that I will remember for the rest of my life.”

The nineteen young Irish people taking part as sail trainees this year are being sponsored by Waterford City Council. Mayor Halligan said, “Becoming a trainee crew member offers young people an incredible experience and through this sponsorship, Waterford City Council is making it easier than ever before for young people to participate. Supporting the sail training experience is something we are very happy to do and marks our commitment to the event, which will return to Waterford in 2011.”

The Tall Ships Races will return to Waterford in 2011 for what is set to be Ireland’s biggest summer festival that year. 500,000 people are expected to attend the festival with young people from over 30 countries taking part in this spectacular event that combines four days of activities in each port.

Those interested in becoming a sail trainee in 2011 should contact tallshipsrace@waterfordcity.ie. The Tall Ships Races will bring over 70 Tall Ships and their crews to Waterford in 2011.